§ 3. Mr. Lambertasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the prices at which Australian and New Zealand butter is sold in the countries of origin, and in London, at comparable dates; and what subsidies from Government or other sources are paid to producers of butter in the two Dominions?
Marquess of HartingtonMy right hon. Friend understands that the price in Australia of "Kangaroo" butter is 149s. 4d. per cwt. in Australian currency (equivalent to approximately 120s. sterling). The price of similar butter in London on 28th October was 152s. (sterling) per cwt. The fixed wholesale selling price in New Zealand of the best butter is 135s. 4d. per cwt., equivalent to approximately nos. sterling. The wholesale selling price of similar grade New Zealand butter in London on 28th October was 152s. (sterling) per cwt. No Government or other subsidies are paid to producers of butter in the Commonwealth of Australia or in New Zealand. In the former country, however, there is an arrangement under the Commonwealth Dairy Products Equalisation Scheme by which the prices realised for butter sold within Australia and overseas respectively are pooled. In New Zealand the Government, with the object of ensuring a steady return to the producers, purchases, at a price fixed for a year ahead, all butter for export.